Airshow / Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Where can I park?

A. Parking is available on the beach, Marine Drive and off the promenade in Princes Park and the Esplanade car park, only 5 minutes walk from the sea front. A large amount of directional road signage will be erected to lead visitors to the parking facilities and the event site. Coaches will be directed to the Esplanade car park.

Q. What do the wristbands do?

A. The wristbands allow you to go in and out of the show throughout the day. Although children under 5 are free they will be given 'lost children' wristbands to help identify them if they get lost within the site.

Q. If I buy a ticket in advance do I have to say which day I want to attend on?

A. Tickets bought in advance are valid for EITHER Saturday or Sunday.

Q. Are there any disabled facilities?

A. Designated disabled hard standing car parking facilities are available, located at the Esplanade car park. Directions to the disabled parking are signposted on the event AA signage. The esplanade parking has disabled toilet facilities and has ramped access to the seafront. The parking facilities will be allocated on a first come first served basis on presentation of an official blue disability badge. These spaces will be available at the normal car parking rate.

An official designated disabled viewing area is available, located on the seawall (close to the fish wind display). The area will be fenced, has dedicated disabled toilet facilities and is on a hard standing surface with an unimpeded view. It will be the responsibility for disabled wheel chair users to make their own way to this enclosure.

Directional signage will be in place from the disabled parking facility to the designated disabled viewing area, to ensure easy access to the show. Stewards will be present to ensure that viewing is accessible at all times. A selection of on-ground entertainment will be provided on hard standing surface, located on Marine Drive.

Q. Are there any discounts for the disabled?

A. All disabled people will be permitted entry to the show through all entrances at the normal rates set by the organisers.

Q. What time does the show open / close?

A. The gates open at 9.00am to the on-ground activity including the exhibition village, model aero display, the central arena, military displays etc. The flying display starts around midday and ends around 5pm. On both days the show closes at approximately 6pm.

Q. Will the Red Arrows be there?

A. The Red Arrows will be displaying at the event on both days (subject to operational requirements), along with the latest fast jets, aerobatic and vintage aircraft, helicopters and parachute displays.

Q. Is the display the same on both days?

A. The display will be similar but the times may vary when each aircraft flies. Display times are also subject to weather conditions on the day.

Q. What else will be there?

A. A large amount of on-ground entertainment including; interactive military exhibits, model aircraft, exhibition stands, simulators, bouncy castles and childrens activities.

Q. Where can I find accommodation?

A. You can either e-mail accommodation@visitsouthport.com or ring the accommodation enquiry line on 01704 533333.

Q. Where is the nearest train station?

A. The nearest train station is Southport, about a 10 minute walk from the event site. Look out for special offers run through Mersey Travel.

Q. Can I still get into Ocean Plaza to the shops?

A. Yes, the shops will be open as usual and will be accessible from the promenade over the Marine Way Bridge.

Q. Are dogs allowed at the Air Show?

A. It is strongly advised that dogs are not brought to the event due to the noise produced by the aircraft.

Q. Are caravans and motor homes allowed on the beach?

A. Caravans and motor homes are permitted in either the Esplanade or Princes Park car parks, but are not allowed on the beach due to the size of the vehicles restricting the view for other event attendees. These are not overnight camping facilities and will be locked overnight. The closest caravan site is the Southport Esplanade caravan site, Esplanade, Southport, 01704 565214.